O’Fallon school board honors superintendent by renaming elementary building after her

After putting students first for 34 years, Central School District 104 Superintendent Dawn Elser is retiring on July 1, and looking forward to the next chapter.

But her passion for education and devotion to the faculty, staff, students, and parents in the district won’t be forgotten. Her legacy will become a permanent part of the O’Fallon elementary school’s daily fabric Saturday when the Central Elementary School officially will be rechristened as Dawn Elser Elementary School.

The ceremony will begin in the gymnasium at 1 p.m., including the sign unveiling and reception. School Board President Sarah Svoboda will give remarks.

The school board approved the naming decision several years ago, but Elser said she asked that it wait until she retired. She said she has loved being in the district for her entire career.

“It is such a special place. This district is like a family, and I have built so many relationships, so many mentors and colleagues,” she said. “The students, the staff, the community – we all have the best interests of others in our heart. We want to see children grow. It has made me want to come here every day.”

Central School District 104 includes Central Elementary School and Joseph Arthur Middle School, and total enrollment is about 615 students in kindergarten through eighth grade and preschool enrollment of about 50. Staff numbers around 80, she said.

Elser said she knew the middle school’s namesake Joseph Arthur, who hired her to be principal, and later superintendent.

“He taught me so much,” she said.

O’Fallon District 90 also has a history of renaming school after beloved former educators. J.E. Hinchcliffe, Delores Moye, LaVerna Evans, Estelle Kampmeyer, Marie Schaefer, Amelia Carriel, and Edwards A. Fulton all taught in the city before having their names attached to the district’s schools.

After earning an advanced degree in educational administration at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Elser made the leap from teacher to administration. Prior to being named superintendent in 2017, she was principal of Central Elementary School for nine years and taught first grade for 17 years.

“Central is a tight little community school, very family oriented. I know all the families and kids, and now some of the kids that I taught have families of their own, and I know their kids,” she said.

“It’s a great joy to see them move along a career path and know you have played a part in their success.”

As an administrator, she prioritized classroom visits as a daily must.

“I liked the kids to see me. Interacting with the students was important and I enjoyed it. For stress relief, all you had to do was go into the preschool – they just love life,” she said.

In 2019, Elser was honored by the Illinois Principals Association, the Southwest Region, as Superintendent of the Year, while Tron Young, Joseph Arthur Middle School Principal, was awarded Middle School Principal of the Year. The IPA’s Southwest Region includes Jersey, Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph Counties

Citing her love of children and being known for her big heart, other staff members have noted how inspiring her hands-on approach has been, and her emphasis on teamwork.

“She definitely leads by example. She wants us to know we’re all in this together,” Young said.

Elser said success has followed shared goals and a cooperative spirit from the school board on down.

“We all share the same goals, and that’s always what is in the children’s best interests,” she said, describing the school board as “wonderful” – they have always supported the children and teachers.”

Elser, who grew up in Belleville, had a desire to teach at an early age.

“I had a teacher, Mrs. Judy Koch, who I wanted to be just like when I grew up. She was so kind and had a passion for children and education. She was very positive,” she said.

Teaching first graders was rewarding, she said, particularly when you “see them learn to read and understand it,” she said.

As an administrator, she said problem-solving was the most demanding aspect.

“You hire good people, and you hope that they will work it out. You have to consider all these people’s differences, and you have to be considerate in how you react. The biggest thing is to listen. You have to treat everyone respectfully,” she said.

As the district has grown, Elser has seen parents “step up and be willing to help, and staff would go above and beyond for any kid.”

Her dad, Barney Elser, was a longtime American Legion baseball coach and at Citizens Park in Belleville, he is honored with a street sign: Barney Elser Drive. His sister, Bev Musso, was a longtime teacher, and his brother, Bruce Elser, was a school counselor. Her mother, LaVerne, could always be counted on for support.

“My parents instilled the importance of an education in me,” she said.

Education is challenging, even more so during the pandemic, she said.

“It changed education in positive and negative ways, and affected everyone, because it was difficult to engage without it being in person,” she said.

“Education has changed a great deal in 34 years, but the no. 1 goal is still to prepare students for college and their career. Our goal is also to prepare them for life and give them the best school experience possible,” she said.

Elser now plans to spend more time with friends and family. She plays in a ladies golf league on Tuesday nights at The Orchards and is eager to travel.

“I have an RV, I’m going to get on the road and travel,” she said. “I’d like to visit all the major league ballparks. I have a love of the game. I’ll have the time to explore. I like going to the beach, doing things with family.”

She has been working with the new superintendent, Gabrielle Rodriguez, who is from the Sparta school district, before her term ends officially June 30.

“I feel like it has been a smooth transition,” Elser said. “She is about building relationships and will do a great job.”

While it’s not goodbye time yet, there was a fond farewell note on the district’s social media.

“We will miss Ms. Elser greatly, but we wish her the best as she begins her next chapter. We have been so blessed with her many years of service,” a school spokesman said.